Homework involving alphabet, spelling, sight words, and number practice can become a daunting task for some students as the school year moves forward. Pencil and paper (or typing for the older students) becomes the norm and gets boring fast. How can we make practicing these skills more fun at home? The answer might be a more unconventional approach-a squishy bag!

These tools can be created in a variety of ways. First, start off with a Ziploc sandwich bag. Put a small amount of either paint or hair gel into the bag. (The bag does not need to be filled. A small amount goes a long way.) Push all of the air out of the bag, seal the bag, and tape it shut to make sure there are no leaks. Finally, get a Q-tip to write on the bag. (Using a Q-tip ensures that little fingernails will not puncture a hole in the bag.) Lay the squishy bag down on a flat surface and you can start writing on the squishy bag with a Q-tip.

This is a tool I have been using with the Kindergarteners for their letter practice, but this is a tool that could make practicing spelling words more fun for older students as well. Have fun with it! If your student likes sparkles, get some sparkly hair gel. If your student likes bold color, get clear hair gel and use food coloring. These squishy bags can be tailored to each student’s interests and most of the supplies (if not all) can be found at the dollar store. I have included a link to a video on how to create these inventive tools at the top of the page. Be sure to check it out!

The cold January wind is blowing near and with it comes more rigorous school classwork and projects. Two of my writing groups are finishing up their “What is a Narrative?” projects. A lot of hard work and brain power is being put into these displays. The goal is for the students to define the ten different parts of a narrative and to give examples of each all within a visual display. Not only did they have to recall different terms that we have discussed up to this point in the school year, but they also had to use their creativity to develop specific examples. Overall, I am very proud of the students’ dedication and enthusiasm for this project!

Make sure to check back next month for pictures of the finished projects. Also coming next month is different ideas on what to do for fun outside in the snow and how to grow your child's/children's inquisitive brains at the same time (experiments, games for the whole family, scavenger hunts, etc.)

I hope that everyone has a wonderful Christmas break and returns to school with fresh, rejuvenated brains!

December is coming as fast as the snow and more holiday family fun is right around the corner. Why not include reinforcing activities into these joyful occasions to help boost academics? This month, I compiled a list of holiday learning activities for all ages. Scroll on down and check them out! I included activities for a variety of holidays. After all, multicultural learning is great exposure for students!

The website linked below leads to a variety of hands-on crafts and projects centered around the December holidays. There are 30 different fun ideas (many Advent calendar ideas, how to create wreaths and a menorah, decorating ideas, and so much more)!

I am a big supporter of cooking with children. Not only does this skill allow them to practice different math concepts/skills, but it also involves problem-solving and reading (especially if there is a recipe to follow and trying to figure out how much food you need to accommodate a specific number of people). Below are links to different Thanksgiving/Fall-themed recipes that children could help out within the kitchen.

Borrowing books from the library and reading them each night can be a great idea for incorporating reading practice during this exciting fall time. Below are some links that list different Thanksgiving books.

·A quick Google search for “Thanksgiving books for kids” brings up an exhaustive list of fall-themed books (for both younger and older students). This list includes picture books and chapter books.

I hope this list of different activities is helpful for you and your family. The most important thing to remember is, the more we do with kids, the more they will learn. So, why not take advantage of the fall season and incorporate some fun learning at home? Be sure to check back next month for winter holiday (learning) activities. Happy Learning!

With the start of every school year, comes one inevitable task of homework. Where some students love the idea of leaving school and practicing skills they have just learned, others dread the very thought of homework. So, how can we help our students get the extra practice they need, feel successful, and lessen certain struggles and challenges?

With a quick Google search, dozens of resources can be found on the topic of “helping students with their homework for parents”. One piece of advice that jumps out, however, is providing students with a place designated for doing homework. When this space has been defined (and necessary tools are available), students are already set up for success. According to gradepowerlearning.com, “giving your child a place to work, limiting distractions, and providing supplies like pencils, pens, and paper” is one way to help your child with homework. They also discuss how “guiding your child toward answers when he or she has questions – without answering it for him or her” is another method of assisting a child when they need help. Although “providing answers or completing projects for your child may end up hurting in the long run because it can prevent the child from developing an understanding of the subject”, this source encourages parents to become active motivators (and monitors), supply guidance when it is needed. https://gradepowerlearning.com/should-parents-help-homework/

The pbs.org/parents website also has wonderful tips on how to help your child/children with their homework. Tips include understanding why students have homework, limiting electronic exposure during homework times, and staying connected with the school in regards to your child’s/children’s needs. There are also ideas on finding out how your child best learns/studies and finding the right time to do homework at home.

I hope this month’s tips prove helpful as the school year gets underway. Homework is inevitable, but there are ways that we can help. Supplies students with a designated space, a variety of tools, monitoring, guidance, and support can all help the task of homework less daunting and more productive. Be sure to check back next month for ideas on how to incorporate holiday fun into learning at home.

“The start of the school years gives every child (and parents) a great opportunity for a new beginning, a fresh start, a clean slate.”

I am excited to start the 2018-2019 school year. It is promising to be both challenging and magical! There are going to be exciting activities, small obstacles, and engaging projects coming to your child/children.

Getting back into the right frame of mind and the “swing of things” can be difficult for some students and/or families. If that’s the case, check out some of the resources I have listed down below. Even if readjusting to a new school year is easier for you and your family, the resources could still prove useful. There are always little tricks and timesavers that could be beneficial once we learn about them. J

This link from www.scholasticnews.com gives three helpful hints on how to start school off on a happy foot. First, they discuss having an organized space for your children’s stuff. A place for backpacks when school gets done, hooks for coats and hats when they get home, a spot for lunchboxes to be emptied and repacked. When these routines and spaces are used, it lessens the possibility of things getting lost or misplaced. It also helps with establishing a routine. If lunches get packed the night before and clothes are picked out before bed, there is less commotion and confusion in the mornings. It helps create a more happy and positive mindset.

The following link gives four ideas on how to improve your student(s) “academic quality” and four ideas for students to help take charge of their learning and succeed. Some of the tips discussed include creating a family calendar with important deadlines and establishing/maintaining a common meal time. It also gives students pointers about staying focused, taking notes, and speaking up when they do not understand something.

I hope that these resources and tips prove to be beneficial for you and your family. I wish everyone a magical first few weeks of school and an enchanted school year! Be on the lookout next month for tips and resources on how to help your student(s) with homework. J